Steve Mazan is a 35-year-old stand-up comedian. While funny and enjoying success in his small gigs, Steve has never made it to the big-time. Since he was 12, his life dream has been to perform stand-up on “Letterman.” Steve begins slowly building up his career in hopes that Letterman’s people will eventually find out how good he is. And then Steve is diagnosed with liver cancer.
It is incurable and he is given 5 years to live. So, Steve decides to expedite his effort to land on the “Letterman” show.
His journey to the studio is chronicled in the new documentary “Dying to Do Letterman.” Dark title, huh? That same dark and somewhat self-deprecating but never mopey humor is what makes Steve so likable as a character. As he and his wife continue to hit speed bumps along the way, both in their careers and in their personal lives, Steve maintains a remarkable ambition and optimism.
“Dying” is a fast documentary and a remarkable story. While it hits a few bumps in its narrative structure, making its 80-minute runtime seem longer than it needs to, the film remains emotionally engrossing and always amusing. Along his way, Steve is supported by his mother and his comedian friends. He meets some famous stand-up comics who got their start on “Letterman.” It’s Steve’s resolve to achieve his dream or die trying that makes “Dying” a must-see.
Steve attended the SLIFF screening of “Dying.” To the audience’s surprise, after the credits rolled, Steve grabbed a microphone and fielded questions about the film. Still alive, nearly 8 years after his diagnosis, Steve maintains shockingly good health and a miraculous demeanor. He promised to return to St. Louis to perform stand-up and met with audience members outside the theatre after the screening. I was fortunate enough to get to meet the man.
“Dying to Do Letterman” is the type of character-driven, humanist documentary that glorifies the genre. Rather than a whistle-blowing, self-important political rant, this film is about people and how they live their lives. Because the story is so inspiring, one can forgive a few storytelling glitches. “Dying” is a wake-up call to get going on your dreams. Not everyone gets such a jarring reminder of their own mortality, Steve said. So, he asked, what are you dying to do?
4/5
